How Gut Health Affects Skin

Over the past two decades, several studies have revealed strong connections between the health of your gut and various aspects of your well-being, including your immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders,  and skin conditions.

More than 80% of the body’s immunity and over hundred types of bacteria live in the gut. These are huge numbers! With that said, an unhealthy gut can have a significant impact on your overall health, especially when it comes to the appearance of your skin. These skin issues may include breakouts, heightened sensitivity, redness, premature signs of aging, and other related concerns.

Here are four skin issues that may be related with the dysfunction of our gut health

Acne 

There is a possibility of a strong link between acne and gut health. Poor gut health, especially when the toxins are piling up due to a sluggish detox process, can reveal itself through more than digestive issues, such as poor skin, breakouts and acne. All these are signs of your body trying to shed these unwanted toxins, and they are showing right up on your skin.

Some of the reasons that acne happen are:

• Leaky gut is an intestinal condition in which a weakening of the intestinal walls allows bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream, rather than being eliminated with our bowel movements. This leads to bloating, food intolerance, rashes, allergies, autoimmunity and acne.
  
  
• Poor gut microbiome: Our gut microbiome, with 10 times more microbes than our cells, controls our immune system and influences our mood and sleep. A healthy microbiome acts as a shield, keeping out toxins and pathogens.

Unhealthy food choices, such as junk food, processed items, excess sugar, and a lack of nutrient-rich foods and healthy fats, contribute to inflammation and disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, worsening acne.

• Constipation: When you're constipated, it's not just about not going enough. It's also about not emptying completely and dealing with hard, difficult-to-pass stools. Ideally, aim to go two to three times a day, especially after meals. If you don't, toxins and hormones can build up, possibly causing acne troubles.
  
• Imbalance hormones: A leaky gut can contribute to hormonal imbalances, triggering the production of androgens, which are hormones associated with growth and reproduction and can initiate acne.

Eczema

As known our body is a home to different microorganisms, like bacteria, fungi and viruses. Most of them live in our gut, with some on our skin. These microbes in the gut and skin influence each other. 

When there's an imbalance in the types or numbers of these microbes, it's called dysbiosis. This happens when there are too many "bad" microbes, not enough "good" ones, or not enough variety.

For people with a type of eczema called atopic dermatitis, this imbalance (dysbiosis) might play a role in getting the condition.

Psoriasis 

Psoriasis, marked by the rapid buildup of skin cells resulting in thick, scaly patches, is an autoimmune condition that often impacts one's health. The intriguing link between gut health and psoriasis is gaining attention in research circles. Studies suggest that an imbalance in gut bacteria might play a role in the development and worsening of this chronic skin condition. Fortunately, there's hope in managing psoriasis symptoms through simple yet impactful measures, like making dietary changes and incorporating probiotic supplementation. Taking steps to enhance gut health could potentially bring relief to those grappling with psoriasis, offering a holistic approach to symptom management.

Rosacea

Rosacea, a chronic skin condition recognized by facial redness and visible blood vessels, is now understood to be linked with the state of our gut health. The crucial communication between the gut and skin is known as the gut-skin axis. When this communication is disrupted, it can contribute to the development of rosacea.Certain foods, particularly spicy or acidic items, have been identified as potential triggers, causing flare-ups in individuals susceptible to this condition. This highlights the crucial role of maintaining good gut health in effectively managing and understanding rosacea.